All That Glitters Is Not Gold (or when to just say no)
Nov 6, 2019 2:40:10 GMT
Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2019 2:40:10 GMT
To say I don't spend a lot of time on ebay would be a misnomer. I occasionally mention this seller as a place to get trapped but I also found a mis-listed item that was quite real. This horsehead pommel sword is a reproduction, in this case faked.
www.ebay.com/bfl/viewbids/333374385693?
www.ebay.com/usr/consignments-with-us?
I have archived all the images but start with the auction pages. These have been around for decades now and currently being made again.
www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=USS172&name=British+Georgian+Style+Horse%2DHead+Saber
The seller's ad copy lets bidders make up their own minds. In this case a four figure decision and possibly schill bidding pushing a neophyte to fall for it.
"We will be happy to answer any questions regarding condition and nuances of the item's preservation state. However we are not knowledgeable enough to provide the detailed history of most weapons and antiques, so we decided to list all military items, described to the best of our knowledge, in one category, hoping most of them will fall in to that range and period of time, assuming some of the items may in fact be Earlier or Later than the category they are listed in. We also are listing Most items with Very low starting bid and no reserve, allowing the bidders to determine the value of the item for themselves."
caveat emptor
As I mentioned, my one buy from the source was an authentic piece and I see other listings from them that are truly old but watch out for the (censored)s. (ha, I was censored for bone rs) I have had to really wonder about some of them and fortunately, even more seasoned scholars have put me straight at times. This cutlass for instance
Others are much easier to spot, like various five ball spadroons we see from India
The Teed and Knubley marked scabbards a giveaway but there are other facets to watch out for. One eagle I had posted of before in another thread was actually very well done but again, with some giveaway clues.
I have even caught an older Hanwei sidesword being listed as American Revolution period.
I have other examples in my fake file and can share more, mostly spadroons but one sabre in particular kind of got me hopping mad, in quite the psuedo authoritative mindset but I have cooled down a bit. Had it not been etched, a sword I might have easily been all in over it.
So, be careful out there. Others could add their own experiences in watching sellers and listings in general. Approach sellers carefully, or report them. Most of all, try to know what you are looking at before you bid.
Cheers
GC
www.ebay.com/bfl/viewbids/333374385693?
www.ebay.com/usr/consignments-with-us?
I have archived all the images but start with the auction pages. These have been around for decades now and currently being made again.
www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=USS172&name=British+Georgian+Style+Horse%2DHead+Saber
The seller's ad copy lets bidders make up their own minds. In this case a four figure decision and possibly schill bidding pushing a neophyte to fall for it.
"We will be happy to answer any questions regarding condition and nuances of the item's preservation state. However we are not knowledgeable enough to provide the detailed history of most weapons and antiques, so we decided to list all military items, described to the best of our knowledge, in one category, hoping most of them will fall in to that range and period of time, assuming some of the items may in fact be Earlier or Later than the category they are listed in. We also are listing Most items with Very low starting bid and no reserve, allowing the bidders to determine the value of the item for themselves."
caveat emptor
As I mentioned, my one buy from the source was an authentic piece and I see other listings from them that are truly old but watch out for the (censored)s. (ha, I was censored for bone rs) I have had to really wonder about some of them and fortunately, even more seasoned scholars have put me straight at times. This cutlass for instance
Others are much easier to spot, like various five ball spadroons we see from India
The Teed and Knubley marked scabbards a giveaway but there are other facets to watch out for. One eagle I had posted of before in another thread was actually very well done but again, with some giveaway clues.
I have even caught an older Hanwei sidesword being listed as American Revolution period.
I have other examples in my fake file and can share more, mostly spadroons but one sabre in particular kind of got me hopping mad, in quite the psuedo authoritative mindset but I have cooled down a bit. Had it not been etched, a sword I might have easily been all in over it.
So, be careful out there. Others could add their own experiences in watching sellers and listings in general. Approach sellers carefully, or report them. Most of all, try to know what you are looking at before you bid.
Cheers
GC